Horticultural Manager - AHRC Nassau : Job Details

Dynamic and self-motivated horticultural/greenhouse professional to oversee the daily operations of outdoor gardens and a greenhouse including provision of strategic vision and leadership in developing, implementing, and supporting a unique business model with a wide variety of options for people with developmental disabilities. Responsible for the daily planning, organization, supervision and administration of greenhouse, nursery and property-related activities on Wheatley Farms in Brookville, NY. The Horticultural Manager will work with an interdisciplinary team to ensure that the greenhouse/garden business runs efficiently and profitably and will supervise and work with people of varied skills and abilities. Care and maintenance of plants including watering, pest control and treatment, planting, property management for designated areas of campus and plant sales are required. Public engagement, tours and working with a large and diverse group of volunteers with a variety of abilities is essential. This position works in conjunction with administrative and supervisory clinical, therapeutic, and fine arts staff to create a healthy, wholesome environment for people with and without disabilities, to therapeutically engage with the soil, land, and fauna. A respectful, professional demeanor is expected in all interactions.

Primary duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Provides professional advice on the selection, ordering, planting, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and turf grasses on campus and ensures all plants remain healthy.
• Plans and designs annual and perennial flower/vegetable beds. Grows potted plants and nursery stock and maintains records on the growing operation.
• Monitors the health of all plants and monitors for insects and disease. Recommends appropriate treatments including pesticide if needed.
• Prepares orders for various types of plants and seeds, plant nutrients, disease control chemicals, and garden equipment.
• Forecast demand to determine plant populations. Plan species to be planted in conjunction with holidays, climate, time of year.
• Creates floral arrangements as requested and works collaboratively with Catering Manager, and administrative staff to deliver arrangements for various events within the organization.
• Manages greenhouse and garden volunteers, assigning tasks and reviewing thoroughness of work completed.
• Perform harvesting of plants or their fruits.
• Make recommendations on fertilizer and potting mediums.
• Provide education to volunteers and staff regarding plant science, soil management and plant conservation.
• Develops initiatives to create a farm to market agribusiness. Researches and attends local markets to sell plants, flowers, and vegetables. Supports the sale of related plants, flowers, vegetables, and garden items.
• Provides support to the Assistant Director of Social Enterprises in marketing Greenhouse by taking photos, and short videos to be placed on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Manages all sales through an electronic system to determine trends in sales etc.
• Participate in the development and ongoing management of the programs annual budget, goals, and strategic plan. Collaborate with inter-disciplinary team to coordinate clerical, record-keeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.
• Submit monthly written reports outlining operational status, progress, and concerns.
• Maintain strategic partnerships with all significant stakeholders, volunteers, families, and community members that will help guide & support the agencys mission to provide high quality services for the people supported.
• Work with Program Administrator to develop, implement, and maintain policy, procedures, and protocols for the department.
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.

• High School Diploma required; Associates or bachelors degree in horticulture, environmental science, or botany preferred
• Prior experience working in Greenhouse or Nursery required, three (3) or more years experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience of planting fruit and vegetable gardens from seedlings to maturation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills required.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications required.
• Experience with customer relations, payroll processing, and contract and invoice management required.
• Qualified NYS Drivers License required.
• Ability to work flex hours, including evenings and weekends, required.

The work generally requires extended periods of standing and walking and will require a moderate amount of bending, and the ability to handle and move merchandise weighing up to 50 lbs.